The China Grand Prix is back, thrilling fans with its return to the Shanghai International Circuit after a five-year hiatus. The race, taking place on March 23, 2025, marks a significant event in the Formula 1 calendar, as anticipation builds for the fierce on-track battles in the 2025 season, where each point counts towards the championship standings.
After years of waiting, it seems that the excitement around the race is palpable. The competition is fierce, with teams still figuring out their setups for the 2025 season. This year’s China GP promises to deliver intense action featuring tight corners and long straights.
For fans eager to catch every moment of the race, there are various options available across different platforms. In the United States, ESPN networks will provide comprehensive coverage, starting with free practice on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11:30 PM ET, followed by sprint qualifying, sprint race, and the main race all taking place on the subsequent days. Here’s a detailed broadcast schedule:
Where to Watch the China GP in the US:
- ESPN2 – Free Practice 1: Thursday, March 20, at 11:30 PM ET
- ESPN2 – Sprint Qualifying: Friday, March 21, at 3:30 AM ET
- ESPNU – Sprint Race: Friday, March 21, at 11:00 PM ET
- ESPN2 – Qualifying: Saturday, March 22, at 3:00 AM ET
- ESPN – Race: Sunday, March 23, at 3:00 AM ET
Moreover, fans can opt for the premium streams offered on F1 TV Pro, which allows subscribers to enjoy ad-free live coverage, including exclusive on-board cameras, team radio, and telemetry data, which enhance the viewing experience significantly.
Subscription pricing for F1 TV Pro is as follows:
- F1 TV Pro: $10.99 monthly or $84.99 annually, including a 7-day free trial.
- F1 TV Premium: $16.99 monthly or $129.99 annually, featuring additional perks like multiview options and streaming in 4K Ultra HD.
But what if you're seeking free streaming options for the race? Several broadcasters offer free coverage, although access is usually limited by geographical restrictions. For instance, Austria’s ServusTV will broadcast the race for free, but it requires a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access it from outside the region. Here is a list of countries with free broadcasts and their respective channels:
- RTBF - Belgium (French)
- RTL Zwee & RTL Play - Luxembourg (Luxembourgish)
- Servus TV - Austria (German)
- Bandsports - Brazil (Brazilian Portuguese)
- SRF - Switzerland (Swiss-German)
- RSI - Switzerland (Italian)
- RTS - Switzerland (French)
To access ServusTV with a VPN, users can follow these steps:
- Choose a reliable VPN service with servers in Austria.
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to an Austrian server.
- Visit servustv.com and create a free account if necessary.
- Enjoy the China GP live stream.
The introduction of F1 TV Premium this season brings a promising upgrade for fans. The new service allows viewers to create a personalized experience with innovative features like multiview streaming that enables monitoring multiple feeds simultaneously. This will further elevate the intensity of following the events live.
The F1 TV Premium will feature live broadcasts of every race session in 4K Ultra HD and HDR resolution, catering to fans eager for high-quality viewing experiences. Ian Holmes, Formula 1’s chief media rights and broadcasting officer, emphasized the importance of this launch, stating, “F1 TV Premium further elevates the viewing experience by allowing fans to create a personalised platform that enables them to become fully immersed in every incident, wheel to wheel battle and victory across all 24 races.” This premium service will be available in 38 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
As race day approaches, enthusiasm builds as fans from around the globe prepare to witness the competition between top teams and drivers. From Lewis Hamilton, who aims to capitalize on his recent sprint race victory, to Max Verstappen, who seeks to close the gap behind Lando Norris for the championship lead, each race presents ample opportunity for shifting dynamics. The return of the China GP not only rekindles excitement but also signifies the fierce rivalry within the sport.
With various viewing options available, including free and premium services, fans have ample opportunities to not miss a moment of the action. Setting up your streaming preferences early is crucial, ensuring you're all set to tune in and witness the thrilling races ahead.
